Ross Dwyer The Kyrie SpongeBob shoes were a collaborative collection that released in August 2019. It featured five colorways inspired by the key characters of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants cartoon — SpongeBob, Patrick Star, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Sandy.
Nike’s collaboration with SpongeBob under the Kyrie Irving signature shoe umbrella has recently been trending thanks to the recent releases of the SpongeBob Crocs collection as well as the surprise partnership with 361 brand and Nikola Jokic. Both are available now.
Taking Kyrie Irving‘s appreciation for the beloved cartoon and making it into physical product, the collection consists of five Nike shoes: three Nike Kyrie 5s representing SpongeBob, Patrick Star, and Squidward, and two Nike Kyrie Low 2s, nodding to Sandy Cheeks and Mr. Krabs. There’s also a complete collection of apparel too, including everything from special tees and hoodies to unique backpacks and socks.
-
- Nike Kyrie 5 “SpongeBob Squarepants”
-
- Nike Kyrie 5 “Patrick Star”
-
- Nike Kyrie 5 “Squidward”
-
- Nike Kyrie Low 2 “Mr. Krabs”
-
- Nike Kyrie Low 2 “Sandy”
Sure to bring a smile to even Squidward’s perpetually sour visage, the playful collection is rife with special detailing and bold colors, ranging from SpongeBob’s yellow and gold Kyrie 5s to Mr. Krabs’ Kyrie Low 2s with a money print and a nod to his eternal foe Plankton. This collection is among the most celebrated of the storied Nike Kyrie history. Although Nike has been liberal with its retro releases of past Nike Basketball product, it is unclear weather we’ll see Nike Kyrie retros in the near feature.
The split between brand and athlete was one of the more controversial business moves in Nike’s recent history; with his contract set to expire, Nike chose to forgo an extension given Kyrie Irving’s outspokenness and controversial statements on social media. His decision to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine was also viewed as a potential reason why Nike wanted to distance itself from someone who is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history.
With the release happening back in the Summer of 2019, the entire Kyrie SpongeBob collection is entirely sold out, available only in secondary markets. Furthermore, Nike and Kyrie Irving parted ways; the Dallas Mavericks star is now with Chinese brand ANTA. His new signature shoe, the ANTA KAI 1, is currently among the more popular basketball shoes out in the market right now.
